Best Places to Learn and Practice Meditation in Sydney
It’s the ancient practice that’s becoming more mainstream: meditation. The ultimate me-time. There are too many benefits to count – it not only forces you to slow down, breathe, unwind and clear your mind, but it’s a proven antidote to stress. Sydneysiders are spoiled for choice when it comes to meditation studios and classes, with something to suit all styles and levels of meditators.
If you’re ready to learn or enhance your practice, check out these top meditation centres.
Centred Meditation
Located in the heart of the CBD, Centred Meditation is Sydney’s first drop-in meditation studio. The bright and airy studio has classes designed for corporate workers, with 30-minute sessions before and after the business day and at lunchtime. There’s ‘Meditation 101’ for beginners, as well as courses for those who want to take their practice to the next level.
City Mutual Building, Level 10, 66 Hunter Street, Sydney
The Broad Place
The Broad Place attracts keen meditators from all over Sydney. Run by Jacqui Lewis, the school prides itself on helping people to feel happier, healthier and more grounded through Vedic meditation. There are introductory talks each month, a four-session course that takes students through the practice, retreats and weekly recharge sessions.
Mosman, Paddington and Palm Beach
Transcendental Meditation
The Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique brings balance to people all over the world. The studio hosts weekly introductory classes, where would-be students learn more about how it works. If they sign up, they begin with a three-day course, then four months of weekly/monthly follow-ups. After that, graduates are welcome to attend any group meditation classes around the globe.
Level 2, 65 York Street, Sydney
Australian School of Meditation and Yoga
In Ultimo, the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga offers educational courses, as well as ongoing classes for devotees. The ‘Transform your Life with Meditation’ workshop is a practical course that covers the practice of meditation, and how to use it to lower stress and tension, and improve decision-making, mental clarity, tolerance and find inner peace.
154/160 Broadway, Ultimo
Bondi Meditation Centre
Bondi Meditation Centre teaches Vedic meditation. It’s effective and easy to learn, and the experience is made all the more enjoyable by the centre’s owner, Matt Ringrose. The centre offers free introductory talks, as well as a four-day introductory course. Once you’ve completed that, you can join group meditation on Monday evenings, as well as ‘Reboot Camp’ on Thursday mornings.
28 Moore Street, Bondi
Sydney Meditation Centre
Meditation and mindfulness go hand-in-hand, and the Sydney Meditation Centre prides itself on helping people to use those skills to reduce stress, improve focus and regulate emotions. Offering beginner, intermediate and advanced six-week meditation courses, the small classes and attentive, enthusiastic teachers, provide a warm and welcoming place to learn or boost your meditation practice.
2/220 Liverpool Street, East Sydney
The Meditation Sanctuary
To learn and practice Zen meditation, an ancient Chinese and Japanese technique, drop into The Meditation Sanctuary. The programs are run by accredited teachers and attract hundreds of students throughout the year. The Introductory Course focuses on the technique, while the Intermediate Course suits those who want to go deeper and hone their skills.
Rozelle, Annandale & Sydney CBD
In Yoga Surry Hills
This warehouse-style studio offers a range of yoga classes along with meditation. The classes start with a guided practice, and afterwards, the teacher opens up the floor for questions and discussion.The centre encourages students to enjoy yoga, as it’s an expression of meditation that allows you to let go, clear your mind and relax.
115 Cooper Street, Surry Hills
